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"Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty" - Henry M Robert

 

  

Promoting the study and teaching of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised
Welcome to the Sooner Unit... Click here for a great selection of books on parliamentary procedure and Robert's Rules.

Educational Materials - books
 

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Seal of the Sooner Unit ParliamentariansThe Sooner Unit sponsors educational programs, free parliamentary workshops, and Youth Groups, as well as donates copies of Robert's Rules to High School and Junior High School libraries and youth organizations. Ordering from this page by clicking "Buy from Amazon.com" will help us in these efforts - take a look at the Sooner Unit's recent accomplishments. There is no extra cost to place an order from the links on this website to Amazon.com. In fact, these are likely to be the least expensive prices you will find anywhere, as well as the fastest delivery times and best service. Thank you for supporting our efforts in the local and Internet community! Our work is not possible without your support.
 

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition) RONR
by Henry M. Robert III, William J. Evans (Editor), Daniel H. Honemann (Editor), Thomas J. Balch (Editor), Sarah Corbin Robert, Henry M. Robert III, General Henry M. Robert

 

  • Paperback: 704 pages

  • Dimensions (in inches): 1.41 x 6.50 x 4.40

  • Publisher: Perseus Publishing; 10th edition (November 14, 2000)

  • Hardcover: 706 pages

  • Dimensions (in inches): 1.67 x 6.74 x 4.76

  • Publisher: Perseus Publishing; 10th edition (November 10, 2000)

Book Description

Question: Which edition of Robert's Rules is official? Which one do professional parliamentarians refer to? Answer: The National Association of Parliamentarians and the American Institute of Parliamentarians only recognize one book as the current official parliamentary authority: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) is the only authorized parliamentary procedure guide, completely revised and updated by the authorized Robert's Rules Authorship Committee.

Originally published as a slim document in 1876, General Henry M. Robert's classic guide to smooth, orderly, and fairly conducted meetings has sold close to five million copies in nine editions. The only book containing the completely developed Robert's Rules of Order subject matter, this latest edition will continue the book's reputation as the gold standard of meeting procedure for parliamentarians and novice club presidents and members alike. Thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the past decade's technological advances and usage, this tenth edition contains new information on how to conduct meetings over the Internet, on phone and video conference calls, and with members in absentia. The best book from which to learn all about running and taking an effective part in meetings. "Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty," said General Henry M. Robert, and his gift of order is as indispensable now as it was a century ago.

 

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Ed) - Deluxe Leather-bound

  • Professional Deluxe Leather-bound edition: 706 pages

  • Dimensions (in inches): 1.43 x 6.82 x 4.72

  • Publisher: DaCapo Press; 10th edition

  • Just released (October 7, 2003)

  • A book you will treasure - absolutely beautiful!

 

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief
by Thomas J. Balch, William J. Evans, Daniel H. Honemann, Henry M. Robert III

  • Paperback: 176 pages

  • Release Date: April, 2004

  • Publisher: DaCapo Press

Book Description
At last! A concise and user-friendly guide to the essentials for conducting a meeting. Written by the officially sanctioned Robert's Rules of Order authorship team, this short easy-to-read "cheat-sheet" of a guide briefs readers on the rules most often needed at meetings--from debates and amendments to votes and nominations. With sample dialogues, helpful references to the "big" book throughout, and handy tips, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief is the essential abbreviated meeting rulebook.

In a club, a condo association, or board, how is business carried over from one meeting to the next? How is a meeting best kept on track? Who keeps the order and who decides what the agenda will be in the first place?

The answers to these concerns of assembly can be found in the definitive rulebook of orderly meetings: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised 10th Edition. But weighing in at over 700 pages, at least 80 percent of its content will be needed less than 20 percent of the time. Those not well-versed in parliamentary procedure can find themselves lost while trying to get guidance on the everyday basics. The solution? Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief.

At 176 pages, this handy pocket manual is roughly one-fourth the number of pages of RONR, with abundant cross-references for quick lookup in RONR if more information is needed. This is the perfect supplement to RONR because it is entirely consistent with the larger work! Just released in April 2004.

 

Good Graces: Invocations, Inspirations, Reflections
by Patricia G. Warner, D.D., Kate Bertin (Editor)

  • Paperback: 316 pages

  • Dimensions (in inches) 0.75 x 8.25 x 5.50

  • Publisher: Othoreal Publishing; 2nd edition (April 1994).

Book Description

When you are called upon to give an invocation or inspirational message, this book shows you how, when, and what to say with confidence and expertise. By using the samples or following the format for preparing your own script, you will be able to deliver meaningful messages at any type of public function. This non-secterian source book is ideal for: Club Meetings, Conventions, Awards Banquets, Business Meetings, Holiday Observances, Memorial Occasions, and Patriotic Services. Along with invocations, inspirations, and grace messages, the book includes axioms, benedictions, Bible verses and quotations.

 

Robert's Rules for Dummies
by C. Alan Jennings, Professional Registered Parliamentarian

  • Paperback: 360 pages

  • Publisher: For Dummies (December 13, 2004)

  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches

About the Author
C. Alan Jennings is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian from the National Association of Parliamentarians. He also holds office in the Louisiana Association of Parliamentarians.

 

Book Description:

 

Navigate the formalities of parliamentary procedure!

 

Get a handle on proper procedures and hold successful meetings

 

Need to read up on Robert's Rules? Relax! This clear, easy-to-use guide makes parliamentary procedure simple to understand and apply. From assembling a quorum and establishing an agenda to making motions and setting up committees, you'll see how to manage or participate effectively in a meeting — and get things done!

 

Discover how to

  • Create agendas and minutes

  • Nominate and elect officers

  • Make decisions as a group

  • Deal with disciplinary problems

  • Avoid common motion mistakes

 

 

Guide for the Presiding Officer: A Functional Guide for Presidents and Chairmen
by Joyce L. Stephens, PRP

  • Plastic Comb: 126 pages

  • Dimensions (inches): 0.50 x 11.25 x 9.00

  • Publisher: Frederick Pub; 3rd edition (April 7, 2000)

Book Description

Learn how to chair meetings with confidence with this comprehensive guide. The task of chairing meetings is a difficult undertaking, particularly in situations of conflict or diverse opinions. With its special tips for the new president, language of the presiding officer, advice on body language and communication style, and more detailed descriptions of key rules, this book will help you conduct better meetings. Actual scripts for presiding officers, charts of common errors, and advice on how to get your meeting started off right, will help you handle with ease:

  • Unruly members

  • Motions that are out of order

  • Mistakes in procedure

  • How to give a "report from the president"

  • Matters of decorum, and much more.

 

About the Author
Joyce L. Stephens is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian who has served as president of a state and a national parliamentarians organization. She is a professional presiding officer for voluntary organizations. Her experience in presiding and her organizational experience lends to this book an authenticity that might not otherwise be available.

 

Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance: Group Leadership Manual for Chairmanship and Floor Leadership
by Ossie Garfield Jones, Garfield Jones (Paperback)

  • Paperback: 90 pages

  • Dimensions (in inches): 0.36 x 8.27 x 5.50

  • Publisher: Viking Press; (December 1990)

Book Description

Lightning fast lookup for Robert's Rules!

There are two kinds of reference books, the kind that has a complete discussion on every question you can think of on a particular subject, and the kind in which you can actually find what you're looking for right now.

This work is one of the latter. It is no substitute for Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, the truly definitive work on the subject, which belongs in the library of every PTA president, budding politician, or C-SPAN junkie. But once you've done your homework and understand the principles of parliamentary procedure, it is Garfield Jones' book, not Henry Robert's, that you bring with you to every meeting (or wish you had.)

Thin enough (just 90 pages) to get lost under your agenda, the book is uniquely suited to be used, in real time, in the meeting, in the trenches.

It is one of the most cleverly designed tools I've seen, planned from the ground up, or rather from the middle out, to live up to its "at-a-glance" title. Open it to the center staple, and you'll be looking at the index--two short (literally half height) pages. Above them stand two ranks of staggered-length pages that serve as a table of the various motions, and their order of precedence from the normal order of business, main motions, up through amendment, referring to committee, calling the question, tabling, points of order, adjournment--all visible at once.

The cut pages serve as index tabs, so you can instantly flip to the reference page for that motion. (When you do, motions of lower rank, now out of order, are hidden, while those of higher rank remain visible above.)

A glance at the reference page shows a table of rules pertaining to that particular motion: does it require a second, allow for debate, need a simple majority to pass, or a two-thirds vote?

Then, most useful for the member (or presiding officer) still learning the ropes, is a complete sample dialog of the proper form for making the motion, stating the question, putting to a vote, and announcing the result.

Example: "The 'Noes' have it, and the amendment to the amendment is lost. Is there any further discussion on the original amendment?"

The remaining pages in front and back of the book contain lesser-used but highly valuable material on general parliamentary principles, the strategic uses of some motions (not just how to make them, but when and why), and how-to sections on chairing a meeting, taking minutes, holding nominations and elections, and ballot counting. If it's not applicable, useful, and practical, it's not in there. But if you need it, there's a good chance that you'll find it, and quickly enough to do you some good.

There is one minor error and one intentional rule-bending, both in regard to the Motion to Reconsider, but that's one of the most rarified points of procedure. It occurs on the final exam in Parliamentarian School, but not in real life on this or any nearby planet. If you really need to know it in any detail, you'll need to open two things: your full copy of Robert's Rules and the cork of a fortifying beverage.

Three word review: A real find.

 

The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, 4th Edition
by the American Institute of Parliamentarians, Alice Sturgis

  • Paperback: 285 pages

  • Dimensions (in inches): 0.89 x 8.42 x 5.45

  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill Trade; 4th edition (December 7, 2000)

Book Description

Already the acclaimed choice of thousands of successful organizations including the American Library Association, the Fourth Edition features an all-new chapter that considers the ways the Internet and other state-of-the-art technologies have rewritten the rules of today's meetings and conventions. This easy-to-use, paperback volume--the popular alternative to Robert's Rules--is the most comprehensive, understandable, and logical guide to smooth-running, professional meetings. Alice Sturgis was a practicing parliamentarian and consultant to national and international professional and business organizations. She taught at Stanford University and the University of California.

 

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Do you feel like you are not able to get your point across at meetings? Are you being taken advantage of at meetings because you don't know or understand the rules of meeting procedure? Don't guess - find out for sure! Protect your rights as a member and the rights of others. The Sooner Unit Parliamentarians can help. If you have any questions or comments about this website or the rules of parliamentary procedure, please feel free to contact the Sooner Unit Parliamentarians using the mailform below. The Sooner Unit will not disclose your name or e-mail address to any outside parties. Click the "Send Question" button when ready to send your Question, which will be answered by a Sooner Unit member who is a Registered Parliamentarian or a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, accredited by the National Association of Parliamentarians.
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  • "I am very grateful to you for getting us through this."

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  • "Thank you for this. I understand and it makes sense."

  • "First of all.. I would like to thank you for the quick response to my inquiry....it is greatly appreciated."

  • "Thank you for your fast response."

  • "Thank you very much for the response, it was very helpful."

  • "Thank you for your very clear opinion....You have been a great help."

  • "You have always been so helpful, I am hoping you can offer more advice!!"

  • "Thank you very much for your assistance."

  • "Great help, thank you very much."

  • "Thank you. The situation is now very clear to me."

  • "The information you have sent me to date speaks volumes. Hopefully a new board will solve all our problems. However it is good to know there is help available if we need it. Thanks again for delivering more valuable and needed information than asked."

  • "Thank you very much for the speed and clarity of your response. I'm impressed."

  • "Thank you for answering my question. I was especially pleased with your answers, because of the time taken by yourself to show the reference pages. where the answers can be found. Given the enormity of information, covered in the Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) your knowledge is impressive. It is wonderful to have a place where one can get answers from a Professional Registered Parliamentarian. I will be purchasing the new Robert's Rules of Order from the Sooner organization."

  • "Thank-you for your reply it was very helpful."

  • "Wow! Thanks for such a quick response!"

  • "Thank You for your answer, I appreciate it."

  • "Thank you for the response, it was timely and very much appreciated."

  • "Thank You for such a quick response."

  • "Thank you for a quick response, and yes, you answered my question."

  • "Thank you, thank you. Your kind reply helped me think through all the ways we can tackle this issue and you did indeed answer my question"

  • "I sincerely appreciate the prompt reply."

  • "Thanks for your quick response."

  • "It certainly does answer my question and I thank you for your time."

  • "Thanks for the speedy and thorough, as always, response."

  • "Perfect! Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for but couldn't find in the RONR Online."

  • "Thanks for the speedy and thorough response."

  • "Thank you so much, you are wonderful, I am learning so much."

  • "I read your posts with great interest. You give me the hope that RONR will be able to solve my problems. However, the reality in my Union is challenging my every hope. Will your optimism materialize for me? Is there hope for integrity in our meetings?"

  • "Your answer was certainly thorough and complete."

  • "Thanks for your insightful response. Very helpful."
   

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If you have any questions or comments about this website or the rules of parliamentary procedure, please feel free to contact the Sooner Unit Parliamentarians. The Sooner Unit will not disclose your name or personal information to any outside parties. Questions are answered by a Sooner Unit member who is a Registered Parliamentarian or a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, accredited by the National Association of Parliamentarians.

Seal of the Sooner Unit ParliamentariansThe Sooner Unit is a constituent member and local study unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians and the Oklahoma State Association of Parliamentarians. If you are interested in learning more about parliamentary procedure and Robert's Rules of Order, join the Sooner Unit today and enjoy the benefits of membership! Do you feel like you are being taken advantage of at meetings? Find out for sure. Protect your rights as a member and the rights of others. In meetings, what you don't know about the rules of parliamentary procedure CAN hurt you. If you don't speak up at the time, it may be too late to object later. Knowledge of correct meeting procedure is helpful to a member's participation in any group of any size. You don't have to be a parliamentarian to benefit from networking with others and learning more about Robert's Rules of Order.

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